Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies: 3 Epic Wow Yum bites.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies reflect my journey as a home cook who loves pantry magic. I adore turning simple scraps into festive joy. On my Meal Prep Ideas path, I learned busy moms crave quick flavors. This recipe delivers a chewy, buttery dough and a playful mix of crunch. Pretzels, crushed potato chips, M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles join the party. It’s all about texture, balance, and a salty-sweet wink. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or a lively family bake day with Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

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what make this Recipe special

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are my holiday pantry magic—my go-to for comfort and adaptability. When a busy week hits, I reach for this recipe to spark joy. I love how chewy, buttery dough welcomes pretzels, chips, M&M’s, white chocolate, and sprinkles.

It’s forgiving, fast, and endlessly adaptable for pantry chaos and deadlines I face. The dough is chewy and buttery, a cozy base I trust with mix-ins. Plus, the toppings arrive ready to party with crunch, color, and personality.

They travel well for cookie swaps, office treats, or thoughtful gifts I hand out. Best of all, I control the balance between sweet and salty. This is why I reach for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies again and again.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies: A Festive Crowd-Pleaser

These cookies crave sharing, and they handle any crowd with cheer.

The chewy, buttery base that welcomes mix-ins

It’s a forgiving base that carries every crunch and color.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. I keep these pantry staples on hand during the holidays because they come together fast without sacrificing flavor. Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and available for printing, so you can tuck the recipe into a card or your meal-planning notebook.

Exact ingredients and measurements for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

All-purpose flour — 2 ¼ cups

Baking soda — 1 tsp

Salt — ½ tsp

Unsalted butter, softened — ¾ cup

Brown sugar — ¾ cup

Granulated sugar — ½ cup

Large egg + 1 egg yolk

Vanilla extract — 1 tsp

Crushed pretzels — ½ cup

Crushed potato chips — ½ cup

Holiday M&M’s — ½ cup

White chocolate chips — ½ cup

Holiday sprinkles — ¼ cup

Optional mix-ins and substitutions (short notes)

For a different crunch, swap pretzels with crushed bagel chips.

Use dark chocolate for a deeper, not-too-sweet bite.

Gluten-free? Try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; check the mix-ins are GF too.

Swap M&M’s for chopped dried fruit or nuts for a festive vibe.

How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Making Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies is how I translate busy days into dessert joy.

I love the way a chewy base welcomes salty crunch and bright sprinkles.

Here I share step-by-step guidance so you can bake with ease, even on deadlines.

Step 1: Prep and line baking sheets

Preheat the oven to 350°F, then line several baking sheets.

Have parchment paper or silicone mats ready for easy cleanup.

Measure the ingredients and set out bowls within arm’s reach.

This prep keeps the kitchen calm during a busy holiday bake.

When I do this, I avoid juggling hot trays with a timer.

Tip: Keep ingredients near the oven so you don’t chase ingredients while the timer counts down.

Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.

Whisk until the color looks even and the texture is smooth.

A quick whisk saves you from patching dry pockets later.

If you have time, sift the flour for a lighter dough.

Set the dry mix aside in a clean bowl.

Tip: Don’t overwork the dry mix; a few streaks are okay.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugars.

Beat until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.

Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl mid-way.

This aeration creates a chewy, tender cookie base.

Let the scent of butter lift your mood.

Tip: If butter is a touch warm, chill the bowl for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Beat in the egg, yolk, and vanilla just until combined.

Stop before it looks curdled; a smooth mix is key.

A little air helps keep cookies light and chewy.

If you’re using cold ingredients, let them warm a bit.

I always smile when the vanilla flecks bloom in the batter.

Tip: Wipe the mixer beaters to avoid vanilla smears on the dough.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Pout the dry mix into the wet gradually while mixing.

Stir until a soft, cohesive dough forms.

It will look a bit shaggy at first.

Let the dough rest a minute so the flour hydrates.

That rest helps keep the cookies thick and chewy.

Tip: If the dough seems dry, add a teaspoon of water or milk.

Step 6: Chill the dough

Wrap the dough tight in plastic and chill for at least an hour.

This step helps flavors mingle and keeps cookies round.

If pressed, you can chill up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

I often chill overnight for weekend baking sessions.

Dough can also be frozen in portions for future use.

Tip: Flatten the dough balls just a touch before freezing to prevent cracking.

Step 7: Fold in mix-ins and portion

Fold in crushed pretzels, potato chips, M&M’s, white chips, and sprinkles.

Mix gently so you keep some big chunks for crunch.

Scoop dough with a spoon or scoop and roll into balls.

Space them about two inches apart on prepared sheets.

If frozen, keep the shapes; if chilled, bake from fridge for 1 minute less.

Tip: Tap the sheet once to even out bumpy dough before baking.

Step 8: Bake and cool

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.

Centers should stay soft for that chewy bite you love.

Let trays rest on the sheets for five minutes before transferring.

Move to a wire rack to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container; these stay soft for days.

Tip: If you’ll gift them, add a card with bake times and storage tips.

Tips for Success

Keep butter and eggs at room temperature for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. This helps even mixing and a smooth dough.

Chill dough for a full hour. This reduces spreading and keeps centers soft in Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Fold mix-ins gently. This avoids deflating air pockets and keeps crunch in Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls or large reusable containers for dough prep

Electric mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon if you’re stirring by hand)

Parchment paper or silicone mats for easy release and cleanup

Baking sheets lined with parchment for even baking

Cooling rack to set cookies without soggy bottoms

Variations

Swap pretzels for crushed bagel chips for a different crunch in Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Use dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.

Create a gluten-free version with a 1:1 flour blend; check that mix-ins are GF.

Add toasted nuts for extra texture; almonds or pecans pair nicely with the candy.

Why You’ll Love This Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are my holiday helper in the kitchen. They come together with a forgiving dough and a cheerful crunch that stays chewy. I love how fast they bake, perfect for busy days when you still want something special. These cookies travel well for gifts and cookie swaps, and you can swap in your favorite mix-ins without breaking the dough. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfectly imperfect for real life.

Serving Suggestions for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Serving these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies can turn a simple bake into holiday joy for family and friends.

Pair with hot cocoa, coffee, or a festive sparkling beverage.

Plate with candy canes and a dusting of icing sugar for a bakery-style presentation.

Package in clear tins with a ribbon for quick gifts.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies: Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

For Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, make-ahead planning saves busy days.
The dough can be chilled up to 3 days before baking, letting flavors mellow.
I like to portion the dough into small balls and freeze them for easy weekend bakes.

When you’re ready, you can bake from frozen dough; no thawing needed.
I often bake from frozen dough, adding a minute or two.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For gifts, layer cooled Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies with parchment in tins.
Drop a small scoop of extra mix-ins between layers to personalize each tin.
These little touches make a homemade smile and save you time during the holidays.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies FAQs

Can I customize the mix-ins if I don’t have M&M’s or sprinkles? Absolutely — use any festive candy, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chunks you love; the dough handles variety while staying soft in the middle. Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies shine on versatility, so you can swap in what you have and still get that chewy, salty-sweet bite.

How long do the cookies stay fresh if stored at room temperature? When stored in an airtight container, they stay soft and tasty for up to 5 days in Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies? Yes. Freeze dough balls on a sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time. Frozen baked cookies can be thawed at room temperature, and you’ll still enjoy that chewy center in Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free? They can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but check that mix-ins (like pretzels) are gluten-free as well, so your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies stay friendly for gluten-sensitive kitchens.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies feels like a gift to my busy week.
I love how a forgiving dough welcomes salty crunch and bright candy.
Each batch reminds me that joy comes from simple, flavorful moments.

This recipe travels well from my kitchen to neighbors’ kitchens, to coworkers today.
The mix-ins steal the show, yet the dough stays soft and forgiving, a rare treat on a deadline.
I hope every bite invites you to pause, savor the holidays, and share a little Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies joy.

Thank you for baking.
May joy fill kitchens.
And may leftovers sparkle.

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